Imaging device, and method and apparatus for controlling the imaging device

ABSTRACT

A method of controlling an imaging device having a function extension button includes obtaining attitude information of the imaging device or detecting triggering of one or more other buttons of the imaging device in response to the function extension button being triggered, and controlling the imaging device to perform an extended function. If the obtained attitude information is preset attitude information, the extended function is based upon a combination of the function extension button and the obtained attitude information. If the one or more other buttons is detected to be triggered, the extended function is based upon a combination of the function extension button and the one or more other buttons.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/CN2015/098322, filed on Dec. 22, 2015, the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a controlling of an imaging device,and more particularly to an imaging device, and a method and anapparatus for controlling the imaging device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Functions of a camera can be extended by a software or hardware upgrade.A camera is generally provided with limited and fixed number of physicalbuttons. A user has to perform additional operations to switch betweenfunctions of the camera if extended functions are to be effected withthe original physical buttons. The camera operation is complicated andinefficient, and the user experience is degraded. As a result, nofunction extension is provided to a camera product once it is offered,leading the camera product less dominant and attractive. User's desirefor continuous upgrades of the product is not satisfied.

A handheld gimbal can be compact and easy to carry, and can carry acompact camera or a smart phone. The handheld gimbal can controlimaging-related functions of the camera and rapidly stabilize an imagingdevice in movement to maintain the imaging device at a determinedattitude. However, existing handheld gimbals can only control limitedfunctions of camera such as an imaging, a recording or an imaging modeswitching among other camera functions.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

There is a need for an imaging device, and a method and an apparatus forcontrolling the imaging device to overcome the above technical problems.

An aspect of the present disclosure discloses a method of controlling animaging device, the imaging device being provided with a functionextension button, the method comprising:

obtaining attitude information of the imaging device or detecting atriggering of one or more other buttons of the imaging device if thefunction extension button is triggered;

controlling the imaging device to perform an extended function basedupon a combination of the function extension button and the obtainedattitude information if the obtained attitude information of the imagingdevice is preset attitude information; or controlling the imaging deviceto perform an extended function based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the one or more other buttons if the one or moreother buttons are detected to be triggered.

In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: controlling theimaging device to perform an extended function based upon a presetcorrespondence between (1) a combination of the function extensionbutton and each of at least one type of preset attitude information and(2) extended functions of the imaging device, or a preset correspondencebetween (1) a combination of the function extension button and each ofat least one other button of the imaging device and (2) extendedfunctions of the imaging device.

In some embodiments, the method can comprise: adjusting an operatingparameter of the imaging device based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the obtained attitude information.

In some embodiments, the imaging device can comprise a gimbal and acamera provided on the gimbal. The at least one type of preset attitudeinformation of the imaging device can comprise at least one of arotation angle of the gimbal about a pitch axis, a rotation angle of thegimbal about a roll axis, or a rotation angle of the gimbal about a yawaxis.

Adjusting the operating parameter of the imaging device based upon thecombination of the function extension button and the obtained attitudeinformation can comprise:

adjusting a first operating parameter of the imaging device based upon acombination of the function extension button and the obtained rotationangle of the gimbal about the pitch axis if the obtained attitudeinformation is the rotation angle of the gimbal about the pitch axis;and/or

adjusting a second operating parameter of the imaging device based upona combination of the function extension button and the obtained rotationangle of the gimbal about the roll axis if the obtained attitudeinformation is the rotation angle of the gimbal about the roll axis;and/or

adjusting a third operating parameter of the imaging device based upon acombination of the function extension button and the obtained rotationangle of the gimbal about the yaw axis if the obtained attitudeinformation is the rotation angle of the gimbal about the yaw axis.

Each of the first operating parameter, the second operating parameterand the third operating parameter can be a focal length of the camera,an optical/digital zooming parameter, an aperture parameter, a shutterspeed or a sensitivity. The first operating parameter, the secondoperating parameter and the third operating parameter can be differentfrom one another.

In some embodiments, the at least one other button of the imaging devicecan comprise at least one of a shutter button, a record button or ajoystick. The method can further comprise:

enabling or disabling a first specific function of the imaging devicebased upon a combination of the function extension button and theshutter button if the shutter button is triggered; and/or

enabling or disabling a second specific function of the imaging devicebased upon a combination of the function extension button and the recordbutton if the record button is triggered; and/or

adjusting an operating parameter of the imaging device based upon acombination of the function extension button and the joystick if thejoystick is triggered.

Each of the first specific function and the second specific function canbe a flashlight, a shutter, a filter or a facial recognition of thecamera. The first specific function and the second specific function canbe different from each other.

In some embodiments, the joystick can comprise an up button, a downbutton, a left button and a right button.

Adjusting the operating parameter of the imaging device based upon thecombination of the function extension button and the joystick cancomprise:

increasing or decreasing a fourth operating parameter of the imagingdevice based upon a combination of the function extension button and theup button of the joystick if the up button of the joystick is triggered;and/or

decreasing or increasing the fourth operating parameter of the imagingdevice based upon a combination of the function extension button and thedown button of the joystick if the down button of the joystick istriggered; and/or

increasing or decreasing a fifth operating parameter of the imagingdevice based upon a combination of the function extension button and theleft button of the joystick if the left button of the joystick istriggered; and/or

decreasing or increasing the fifth operating parameter of the imagingdevice based upon a combination of the function extension button and theright button of the joystick if the right button of the joystick istriggered.

Each of the fourth operating parameter and the fifth operating parametercan the focal length of the camera, the optical/digital zoomingparameter, the aperture parameter, the shutter speed or the sensitivity.The fourth operating parameter and the fifth operating parameter can bedifferent from each other.

In some embodiments, the method can further comprise:

controlling the imaging device to perform an extended function basedupon a combination of the function extension button and the obtainedattitude information or a combination of the function extension buttonand the one or more other buttons if the function extension button istriggered and meanwhile the preset attitude information of the imagingdevice is obtained or the one or more other buttons are detected to betriggered.

In some embodiments, the method can further comprise:

switching a control mode of the imaging device to a function extensionmode after the function extension button is triggered; and

when the imaging device is in the function extension mode, controllingthe imaging device to perform an extended function based upon acombination of the function extension button and the obtained attitudeinformation or a combination of the function extension button and theone or more other buttons if the preset attitude information of theimaging device is obtained or the one or more other buttons are detectedto be triggered.

In some embodiments, the function extension button can be a buttonhaving a single button function; or

the function extension button can be a multi-function button havingmultiple button functions. The method can further comprise:

setting a specific trigger mode for triggering a function extensionbutton function of the multi-function button; and

setting a preset trigger mode for triggering a regular button functionof the multi-function button.

In some embodiments, controlling the imaging device to perform anextended function can comprise controlling the camera of the imagingdevice to perform an extended function; and/or

obtaining the attitude information of the imaging device can compriseobtaining attitude information of the gimbal of the imaging device.

Another aspect of the disclosure discloses an apparatus for controllingan imaging device, the apparatus comprising:

a function extension button provided at the imaging device;

an attitude acquisition device configured to detect attitude informationof the imaging device; and

a controller configured to detect a triggering of one or more otherbuttons of the imaging device or to obtain the attitude information ofthe imaging device detected by the attitude acquisition device if thefunction extension button is triggered.

The controller can be further configured to control the imaging deviceto perform an extended function based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the obtained attitude information if the obtainedattitude information of the imaging device is preset attitudeinformation, or, the controller can be further configured to control theimaging device to perform an extended function based upon a combinationof the function extension button and the one or more other buttons ifthe one or more other buttons are detected to be triggered.

In some embodiments, the controller can control the imaging device toperform an extended function based upon a preset correspondence between(1) a combination of the function extension button and each of at leastone type of preset attitude information and (2) extended functions ofthe imaging device, or a preset correspondence between (1) a combinationof the function extension button and each of at least one other buttonof the imaging device and (2) extended functions of the imaging device.

In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to adjust anoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon a combination ofthe function extension button and the obtained attitude information.

In some embodiments, the imaging device can comprise a gimbal and acamera provided on the gimbal. The at least one type of preset attitudeinformation of the imaging device can comprise at least one of arotation angle of the gimbal about a pitch axis, a rotation angle of thegimbal about a roll axis, or a rotation angle of the gimbal about a yawaxis.

The controller can be configured to adjust a first operating parameterof the imaging device based upon a combination of the function extensionbutton and the obtained rotation angle of the gimbal about the pitchaxis if the obtained attitude information is the rotation angle of thegimbal about the pitch axis; and/or

the controller can be configured to adjust a second operating parameterof the imaging device based upon a combination of the function extensionbutton and the obtained rotation angle of the gimbal about the roll axisif the obtained attitude information is the rotation angle of the gimbalabout the roll axis; and/or

the controller can be configured to adjust a third operating parameterof the imaging device based upon a combination of the function extensionbutton and the obtained rotation angle of the gimbal about the yaw axisif the obtained attitude information is the rotation angle of the gimbalabout the yaw axis.

Each of the first operating parameter, the second operating parameterand the third operating parameter can be a focal length of the camera,an optical/digital zooming parameter, an aperture parameter, a shutterspeed or a sensitivity. The first operating parameter, the secondoperating parameter and the third operating parameter can be differentfrom one another.

In some embodiments, the at least one other button of the imaging devicecan comprise at least one of a shutter button, a record button or ajoystick.

The controller can be configured to enable or disable a first specificfunction of the imaging device based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the shutter button if the shutter button istriggered; and/or

the controller can be configured to enable or disable a second specificfunction of the imaging device based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the record button if the record button istriggered; and/or

the controller can be configured to adjust an operating parameter of theimaging device based upon a combination of the function extension buttonand the joystick if the joystick is triggered.

Each of the first specific function and the second specific function canbe a flashlight, a shutter, a filter, or a facial recognition of thecamera. The first specific function and the second specific function canbe different from each other.

In some embodiments, the joystick can comprise an up button, a downbutton, a left button and a right button.

The controller can be configured to increase or decrease a fourthoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon a combination ofthe function extension button and the up button of the joystick if theup button of the joystick is triggered; and/or

the controller can be configured to decrease or increase the fourthoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon a combination ofthe function extension button and the down button of the joystick if thedown button of the joystick is triggered; and/or

the controller can be configured to increase or decrease a fifthoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon a combination ofthe function extension button and the left button of the joystick if theleft button of the joystick is triggered; and/or

the controller can be configured to decrease or increase the fifthoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon a combination ofthe function extension button and the right button of the joystick ifthe right button of the joystick is triggered.

Each of the fourth operating parameter and the fifth operating parametercan be the focal length of the camera, the optical/digital zoomingparameter, the aperture parameter, the shutter speed or the sensitivity.The fourth operating parameter and the fifth operating parameter can bedifferent from each other.

In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to control theimaging device to perform an extended function based upon a combinationof the function extension button and the obtained attitude informationor a combination of the function extension button and the one or moreother buttons if the function extension button is triggered andmeanwhile the preset attitude information of the imaging device isobtained or the one or more other buttons are detected to be triggered.

In some embodiments, the controller can be further configured to switcha control mode of the imaging device to a function extension mode afterthe function extension button is triggered. When the imaging device isin the function extension mode, the controller can be further configuredto control the imaging device to perform an extended function based upona combination of the function extension button and the obtained attitudeinformation or a combination of the function extension button and theone or more other buttons if the preset attitude information of theimaging device is obtained or the one or more other buttons are detectedto be triggered.

In some embodiments, the imaging device can comprise a gimbal and acamera provided on the gimbal. One or more of the function extensionbutton, the attitude acquisition device and the controller can beprovided at the gimbal; or

one or more of the function extension button, the attitude acquisitiondevice and the controller can be provided at the camera.

In some embodiments, the attitude acquisition device can be an inertialmeasurement unit (IMU) comprising a gyroscope and an angular velocitymeter.

In some embodiments, the function extension button can be a buttonhaving a single button function; or

the function extension button can be a multi-function button havingmultiple button functions configured to receive a specific trigger modefor triggering a function extension button function and a preset triggermode for triggering a regular button function.

In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to control thecamera of the imaging device to perform an extended function; and/or

the attitude acquisition device can be configured to detect attitudeinformation of the gimbal of the imaging device.

Another aspect of the present disclosure discloses an imaging device,comprising a gimbal, a camera and a control apparatus. The camera can beprovided on the gimbal. The control apparatus can comprise:

a function extension button;

an attitude acquisition device configured to detect attitude informationof the imaging device; and

a controller configured to detect a triggering of one or more otherbuttons of the imaging device or to obtain the attitude information ofthe imaging device detected by the attitude acquisition device if thefunction extension button is triggered.

The controller can be further configured to control the imaging deviceto perform an extended function based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the obtained attitude information if the obtainedattitude information of the imaging device is preset attitudeinformation, or, the controller can be further configured to control theimaging device to perform an extended function based upon a combinationof the function extension button and the one or more other buttons ifthe one or more other buttons are detected to be triggered.

In some embodiments, the controller can control the imaging device toperform an extended function based upon a preset correspondence between(1) a combination of the function extension button and each of at leastone type of preset attitude information and (2) extended functions ofthe imaging device, or a preset correspondence between (1) a combinationof the function extension button and each of at least one other buttonof the imaging device and (2) extended functions of the imaging device.

In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to adjust anoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon a combination ofthe function extension button and the obtained attitude information.

In some embodiments, the at least one type of preset attitudeinformation of the imaging device can comprise at least one of arotation angle of the gimbal about a pitch axis, a rotation angle of thegimbal about a roll axis, or a rotation angle of the gimbal about a yawaxis.

The controller can be configured to adjust a first operating parameterof the imaging device based upon a combination of the function extensionbutton and the obtained rotation angle of the gimbal about the pitchaxis if the obtained attitude information is the rotation angle of thegimbal about the pitch axis; and/or

the controller can be configured to adjust a second operating parameterof the imaging device based upon a combination of the function extensionbutton and the obtained rotation angle of the gimbal about the roll axisif the obtained attitude information is the rotation angle of the gimbalabout the roll axis; and/or

the controller can be configured to adjust a third operating parameterof the imaging device based upon a combination of the function extensionbutton and the obtained rotation angle of the gimbal about the yaw axisif the obtained attitude information is the rotation angle of the gimbalabout the yaw axis.

Each of the first operating parameter, the second operating parameterand the third operating parameter can be a focal length of the camera,an optical/digital zooming parameter, an aperture parameter, a shutterspeed or a sensitivity. The first operating parameter, the secondoperating parameter and the third operating parameter can be differentfrom one another.

In some embodiments, the at least one other button of the imaging devicecan comprise at least one of a shutter button, a record button or ajoystick.

The controller can be configured to enable or disable a first specificfunction of the imaging device based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the shutter button if the shutter button istriggered; and/or

the controller can be configured to enable or disable a second specificfunction of the imaging device based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the record button if the record button istriggered; and/or

the controller can be configured to adjust an operating parameter of theimaging device based upon a combination of the function extension buttonand the joystick if the joystick is triggered.

Each of the first specific function and the second specific function canbe a flashlight, a shutter, a filter, or a facial recognition of thecamera. The first specific function and the second specific function canbe different from each other.

In some embodiments, the joystick can comprise an up button, a downbutton, a left button and a right button.

The controller can be configured to increase or decrease a fourthoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon a combination ofthe function extension button and the up button of the joystick if theup button of the joystick is triggered; and/or

the controller can be configured to decrease or increase the fourthoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon a combination ofthe function extension button and the down button of the joystick if thedown button of the joystick is triggered; and/or

the controller can be configured to increase or decrease a fifthoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon a combination ofthe function extension button and the left button of the joystick if theleft button of the joystick is triggered; and/or

the controller can be configured to decrease or increase the fifthoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon a combination ofthe function extension button and the right button of the joystick ifthe right button of the joystick is triggered.

Each of the fourth operating parameter and the fifth operating parametercan be the focal length of the camera, the optical/digital zoomingparameter, the aperture parameter, the shutter speed or the sensitivity.The fourth operating parameter and the fifth operating parameter can bedifferent from each other.

In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to control theimaging device to perform an extended function based upon a combinationof the function extension button and the obtained attitude informationor a combination of the function extension button and the one or moreother buttons if the function extension button is triggered andmeanwhile the preset attitude information of the imaging device isobtained or the one or more other buttons are detected to be triggered.

In some embodiments, the controller can be further configured to switcha control mode of the imaging device to a function extension mode afterthe function extension button is triggered. When the imaging device isin the function extension mode, the controller can be further configuredto control the imaging device to perform an extended function based upona combination of the function extension button and the obtained attitudeinformation or a combination of the function extension button and theone or more other buttons if the preset attitude information of theimaging device is obtained or the one or more other buttons are detectedto be triggered.

In some embodiments, one or more of the function extension button, theattitude acquisition device and the controller can be provided at thegimbal; or

one or more of the function extension button, the attitude acquisitiondevice and the controller can be provided at the camera.

In some embodiments, the attitude acquisition device can be an inertialmeasurement unit (IMU) comprising a gyroscope and an angular velocitymeter.

In some embodiments, the function extension button can be a buttonhaving a single button function; or

the function extension button can be a multi-function button havingmultiple button functions configured to receive a specific trigger modefor triggering a function extension button function and a preset triggermode for triggering a regular button function.

In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to control thecamera to perform an extended function; and/or the attitude acquisitiondevice can be configured to obtain attitude information of the gimbal.

Additional control modes on additional functions of the imaging devicecan be provided using the apparatus for controlling the imaging deviceof the disclosure, in which a Fn button function mode is enabled by thefunction extension button, and the function extension button is combinedwith original physical buttons of the imaging device or with theattitude information of the imaging device (e.g., motion data of theimaging device). Additional functions of the imaging device can beinvoked, and an efficiency of the original buttons of the imaging devicecan be improved. An operation of the imaging device can be simplified,thereby improving an user experience. Furthermore, an upgrade and afunctional extension of the imaging device can be facilitated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of a method of controlling an imaging device inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a handheld gimbal in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 3 shows the handheld gimbal of FIG. 2 from another point of view.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration of an imaging device in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration of an apparatus for controlling the imagingdevice of FIG. 4.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

TABLE 1 Imaging device 10 Gimbal 20 Handle 21 Stabilizing assembly 22Mode switch button 23 Shutter button 24 Record button 25 Joystick 26Camera 30 Imaging device 400 Gimbal 41 Camera 42 Control apparatus 50Function extension button 51 Controller 52 Attitude acquisition device53 Step 101-106

The present disclosure will be described in the illustrative embodimentsby reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A better understanding of the disclosure will be obtained by referenceto the following detailed description that sets forth illustrativeembodiments with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent that,the embodiments described herein are merely provided by way of exampleonly. Those skilled in the art can conceive various embodiments in lightof those embodiments disclosed herein without inventive efforts, and allthese embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of a method of controlling an imaging device inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, theimaging device can be an imaging device 10 shown in FIG. 2, whichcomprising a gimbal 20 and a camera 30 provided on the gimbal 20. Afunction extension button and at least one other button can be providedon at least one of the gimbal 20 and the camera 30. It will beappreciated that, the method as described in accordance with embodimentsof the disclosure is not limited to the steps and sequence as shown inthe flowchart of FIG. 1. In various embodiments, the steps shown in theflowchart of FIG. 1 can be added, removed, changed, or performed indifferent sequences. The method in accordance with embodiment of thedisclosure can comprise steps 101 to 106.

In step 101, a triggering of the function extension button can bedetected.

In some embodiments, the function extension button can be a buttonhaving a single button function.

Alternatively, the function extension button can be a multi-functionbutton having multiple button functions including a function extensionbutton function and a regular button function. In this case, the methodcan further comprise a process in which a specific trigger mode fortriggering the function extension button function of the multi-functionbutton and a preset trigger mode for triggering the regular buttonfunction of the multi-function button are set.

For example, the function extension button can be a mode switch button23 (as shown in FIG. 2) provided on the gimbal 20. The regular buttonfunctions of the mode switch button 23 can comprise returning the gimbalto a neutral position, rotating the gimbal by 180 degrees to a selfiemode and locking an attitude of the gimbal. Accordingly, the presettrigger mode can be set as double-tapping the mode switch button 23,triple-tapping the mode switch button 23 or holding down the mode switchbutton 23.

The specific trigger mode can be different from the preset trigger mode.In some instances, the specific trigger mode can be set as tapping themode switch button 23 multiple times, tapping the mode switch button 23one or more times and then holding the mode switch button 23, or holdingthe mode switch button 23 multiple times, such that the regular buttonfunction can be distinguished from the function extension buttonfunction of the mode switch button 23. It will be appreciated that,various reasonable or convenient trigger modes can be set to triggervarious button functions of the multi-function button according toactual operation requirements.

In step 102, a determination on whether the function extension button istriggered can be made. If the function extension button is triggered,then step 103 can be performed; otherwise, the processing can return tostep 101.

In step 103, attitude information of the imaging device can be obtained,or a triggering of one or more other buttons of the imaging device canbe detected.

In some instances, in the method in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure, the attitude information of the imaging device can beobtained by controlling an attitude acquisition device such as aninertial measurement unit (IMU) provided on the imaging device.

In step 104, a determination on whether the obtained attitudeinformation of the imaging device is preset attitude information can bemade. Alternatively, a determination on whether one or more otherbuttons are triggered can be made. If the obtained attitude informationof the imaging device, for example attitude information of the gimbal ofthe imaging device, is the preset attitude information, then step 105can be performed. If one or more other buttons are triggered, then step106 can be performed.

In step 105, the imaging device, for example the camera of the imagingdevice, can be controlled to perform an extended function based upon acombination of the function extension button and the obtained attitudeinformation.

In some embodiments, the method can control the imaging device toperform an extended function based upon a preset correspondence between(1) a combination of the function extension button and each of at leastone type of preset attitude information of the imaging device and (2)extended functions of the imaging device.

In some embodiments, the at least one type of preset attitudeinformation of the imaging device can comprise at least one of arotation angle of the gimbal about a pitch axis P (as shown in FIG. 3),a roll axis R (as shown in FIG. 2) or a yaw axis Y.

In some embodiments, the step 105 can comprise adjusting an operatingparameter of the imaging device based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the obtained attitude information.

In some instances, if the obtained attitude information is a rotationangle of the gimbal about the pitch axis, then a first operatingparameter of the imaging device can be adjusted based upon a combinationof the function extension button and the obtained rotation angle of thegimbal about the pitch axis. For example, if the gimbal is rotatedclockwise about the pitch axis, then the first operating parameter ofthe camera of the imaging device can be increased or decreased. Forexample, if the gimbal is rotated counterclockwise about the pitch axis,then the first operating parameter of the camera of the imaging devicecan be decreased or increased.

Optionally, if the obtained attitude information is an angle of thegimbal about the roll axis, then a second operating parameter of theimaging device can be adjusted based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the obtained rotation angle of the gimbal about theroll axis. For example, if the gimbal is rotated clockwise about theroll axis, then the second operating parameter of the camera of theimaging device can be increased or decreased. For example, if the gimbalis rotated counterclockwise about the roll axis, then the secondoperating parameter of the camera of the imaging device can be decreasedor increased.

Optionally, if the obtained attitude information is an rotation angle ofthe gimbal about the yaw axis, then a third operating parameter of theimaging device can be adjusted based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the obtained rotation angle of the gimbal about theyaw axis. For example, if the gimbal is rotated clockwise about the yawaxis, then the third operating parameter of the camera of the imagingdevice can be increased or decreased. For example, if the gimbal isrotated counterclockwise about the yaw axis, then the third operatingparameter of the camera of the imaging device can be decreased orincreased.

In some embodiments, the first operating parameter, the second operatingparameter and the third operating parameter can each be a focal lengthof the camera, an optical/digital zooming parameter, an apertureparameter, a shutter speed or a sensitivity. The first operatingparameter, the second operating parameter and the third operatingparameter can be different from one another. In other embodiments, thefirst operating parameter, the second operating parameter and the thirdoperating parameter can be other parameters of the camera.

In step 106, the imaging device (for example, the camera of the imagingdevice) can be controlled to perform an extended function based upon acombination of the function extension button and one or more otherbuttons being triggered.

In some embodiments, the method can control the imaging device toperform an extended function based upon a preset correspondence between(1) a combination of the function extension button and each of at leastone other button of the imaging device and (2) extended functions of theimaging device.

In some embodiments, the at least one other button of the imaging devicecan comprise at least one of a shutter button, a record button or ajoystick. As shown in FIG. 3, the shutter button, the record button andthe joystick can be a shutter button 24, a record button 25 and ajoystick 26 provided to the gimbal 20. In other embodiments, the shutterbutton, the record button and the joystick can be provided to thecamera.

In some embodiments, the step 106 can comprise the following processes.

For instance, if the triggered button is the shutter button, then afirst specific function of the imaging device can be enabled or disabledbased upon a combination of the function extension button and thetriggered shutter button.

Optionally, if the triggered button is the record button, then a secondspecific function of the imaging device can be enabled or disabled basedupon a combination of the function extension button and the triggeredrecord button.

In some embodiments, the first specific function and the second specificfunction can each be a flashlight, a shutter, a filter or a facialrecognition of the camera. The first specific function and the secondspecific function can be different from each other. Alternatively, thefirst specific function and the second specific function can each beanother function of the camera.

Optionally, if the triggered button is the joystick, then an operatingparameter of the imaging device can be adjusted based upon a combinationof the function extension button and the triggered joystick.

In some embodiments, the joystick can comprise an up button, a downbutton, a left button and a right button. In some instances, if thetriggered button is the up button of the joystick, then a fourthoperating parameter of the imaging device can be increased or decreasedbased upon a combination of the function extension button and thetriggered up button of the joystick. Alternatively or additionally, ifthe triggered button is the down button of the joystick, then the fourthoperating parameter of the imaging device can be decreased or increasedbased upon a combination of the function extension button and thetriggered down button of the joystick. In this way, an operatingparameter of the imaging device can be adjusted using the up button andthe down button of the joystick collectively.

Optionally, if the triggered button is the left button of the joystick,then a fifth operating parameter of the imaging device can be increasedor decreased based upon a combination of the function extension buttonand the triggered left button of the joystick. Alternatively oradditionally, if the triggered button is the right button of thejoystick, then the fifth operating parameter of the imaging device canbe decreased or increased based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the triggered right button of the joystick. In thisway, an operating parameters of the imaging device can be adjusted usingthe left button and the right button of the joystick collectively.

In some instances, the fourth operating parameter and the fifthoperating parameter can each be a focal length of the camera, anoptical/digital zooming parameter, an aperture parameter, a shutterspeed or a sensitivity. The fourth operating parameter and the fifthoperating parameter can be different from each other. Alternatively, thefourth operating parameter and the fifth operating parameter can each beanother parameter of the camera.

It will be appreciated that, the number of the button combination can beincreased, and the extended functions of the imaging device can beaccordingly set according to actual requirements. For example, theshutter button and the record button, or a combination of one or moreother buttons, can be simultaneously pressed when the function extensionbutton is triggered, such that more functions of the imaging device canbe enabled or disabled, or more operating parameters of the imagingdevice can be adjusted.

In some embodiments, the method can comprise a process in which if thefunction extension button is triggered and meanwhile the preset attitudeinformation of the imaging device is obtained or one or more otherbuttons are triggered, the imaging device can be controlled to performan extended function based upon a combination of the function extensionbutton and the obtained attitude information or a combination of thefunction extension button and the one or more other buttons. In otherwords, in order to control the imaging device to perform an extendedfunction, the function extension button can be triggered and meanwhilean attitude of the imaging device can be altered. Alternatively, inorder to control the imaging device to perform an extended function, thefunction extension button can be triggered and meanwhile one or moreother buttons can be triggered.

Alternatively, the method can comprise a processing in which a controlmode of the imaging device is switched to a function extension modeafter the function extension button is triggered. When the imagingdevice is in the function extension mode, if the preset attitudeinformation of the imaging device is obtained or one or more otherbuttons are triggered, then the imaging device can be controlled toperform an extended function based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the obtained attitude information or a combinationof the function extension button and the one or more other buttons. Inother words, in order to control the imaging device to perform anextended function, the function extension button can be triggered andthen released to enter the imaging device into the function extensionmode. Then, an attitude of the imaging device can be altered or one ormore other buttons can be triggered.

Additional control modes on additional functions of the imaging devicecan be provided using the method in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure, in which a Fn button function mode is enabled by thefunction extension button, and the function extension button is combinedwith original physical buttons of the imaging device or with theattitude information of the imaging device (e.g., motion data of theimaging device). Additional functions of the imaging device can beprovided, and an utilization of the original buttons of the imagingdevice can be improved. An operation of the imaging device can besimplified, thereby improving an user experience. Furthermore, anupgrade and a functional extension of the imaging device can befacilitated.

FIG. 4 shows a structure of an imaging device 400 in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure. The imaging device 400 can comprise agimbal 41, a camera 42 and a control apparatus 50. In some instances,the camera 42 can be provided on the gimbal 41, and the controlapparatus 50 can control an operation of the camera 42 provided on thegimbal 41.

The gimbal 41 can be a handheld gimbal, for example the handheldthree-axis gimbal 20 as shown in FIG. 2. The gimbal 41 can comprise ahandle 21 and a stabilizing assembly 22 coupled to an end of the handle.The camera 42 can be the camera 30 as shown in FIG. 2 which is mountedon the stabilizing assembly 22. In other embodiments, the gimbal 41 canbe a handheld single-axis gimbal or a handheld two-axis gimbal. Acontour of the camera 42 can be rectangular or other shapes.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a control apparatus 50 in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the controlapparatus 50 can comprise a function extension button 51, a controller52 and an attitude acquisition device 53.

In some embodiments, the function extension button 51 can be a buttonhaving a single button function. Alternatively, the function extensionbutton 51 can be a multi-function button having multiple buttonfunctions including a function extension button function and a regularbutton function. The multi-function button can receive a specifictrigger mode to trigger the function extension button function, andreceive a preset trigger mode to trigger the regular button function.

For example, the function extension button 51 can be a mode switchbutton which is originally provided at the gimbal 41, such as the modeswitch button 23 shown in FIG. 2. A regular button function of the modeswitch button 23 can comprise returning the gimbal to a neutralposition, rotating the gimbal by 180 degrees to a selfie mode andlocking an attitude of the gimbal. Accordingly, the preset trigger modecan be set as double-tapping the mode switch button 23, triple-tappingthe mode switch button 23 or holding down the mode switch button 23.

The specific trigger mode can be different from the preset trigger mode.In some instances, the specific trigger mode can be set as tapping themode switch button 23 multiple times, tapping the mode switch button 23one or more times and then holding the mode switch button 23, or holdingthe mode switch button 23 multiple times, such that the regular buttonfunction can be distinguished from the function extension buttonfunction of the mode switch button 23. It will be appreciated that,various reasonable or convenient trigger modes can be set to triggervarious button functions of the multi-function button according toactual operation requirements.

The attitude acquisition device 53 can detect attitude information ofthe imaging device 400. In some instances, the attitude acquisitiondevice 53 can be an inertial measurement unit (IMU) which comprises atleast one of a gyroscope or an accelerometer.

The controller 52 can be electrically connected to buttons of theimaging device 400 (for example, the function extension button 51 andone or more other buttons) to detect a triggering of the buttons of theimaging device 400. Alternatively, the triggering of the buttons of theimaging device 400 can be detected by providing a button detectiondevice, such as a signal sensing circuit.

The controller 52 can detect a triggering of one or more other buttonsof the imaging device 400 or obtain the attitude information of theimaging device 400 detected by the attitude acquisition device 53 whenthe function extension button 51 is triggered.

The controller 52 can control the imaging device 400 (for example, thecamera 42 of the imaging device 400) to perform an extended functionbased upon a combination of the function extension button 51 and theobtained attitude information when the obtained attitude information ofthe imaging device 400 (for example, the obtained attitude informationof the gimbal 41 of the imaging device 400) is preset attitudeinformation.

In some embodiments, the controller 52 can control the imaging device400 to perform an extended function based upon a preset correspondencebetween (1) a combination of the function extension button 51 and eachof at least one type of preset attitude information of the imagingdevice 400 and (2) extended functions of the imaging device 400. Thecorrespondence can be stored in a memory (not shown) of the imagingdevice 400 in advance.

In some instances, the controller 52 can adjust an operating parameterof the imaging device 400 based upon a combination of the functionextension button 51 and the obtained attitude information. For example,an operating parameter of the camera 42 can be adjusted by triggeringthe function extension button 51 and altering an attitude of the gimbal41 after locking an attitude of the camera 42 using the gimbal 41.

In some embodiments, the at least one type of preset attitudeinformation of the imaging device 400 can comprise at least one of arotation angle of the gimbal about a pitch axis P (as shown in FIG. 3),a rotation angle of the gimbal about a roll axis R (as shown in FIG. 2),or a rotation angle of the gimbal about a yaw axis Y.

In some instances, if the obtained attitude information is the rotationangle of the gimbal 41 about the pitch axis, then the controller 52 canadjust a first operating parameter of the imaging device 400 based upona combination of the function extension button 51 and the obtainedrotation angle of the gimbal 41 about the pitch axis. For example, ifthe gimbal 41 is rotated clockwise about the pitch axis, then the firstoperating parameter of the camera 42 can be increased or decreased. Forexample, if the gimbal 41 is rotated counterclockwise about the pitchaxis, then the first operating parameter of the camera 42 can bedecreased or increased.

Optionally, if the obtained attitude information is the rotation angleof the gimbal 41 about the roll axis, the controller 52 can adjust asecond operating parameter of the imaging device 400 based upon acombination of the function extension button 51 and the obtainedrotation angle of the gimbal 41 about the roll axis. For example, if thegimbal 41 is rotated clockwise about the roll axis, then the secondoperating parameter of the camera 42 can be increased or decreased. Forexample, if the gimbal 41 is rotated counterclockwise about the rollaxis, then the second operating parameter of the camera 42 can bedecreased or increased.

Optionally, if the obtained attitude information is the rotation angleof the gimbal 41 about the yaw axis, then the controller 52 can adjust athird operating parameter of the imaging device 400 based upon acombination of the function extension button 51 and the obtainedrotation angle of the gimbal 41 about the yaw axis. For example, if thegimbal 41 is rotated clockwise about the yaw axis, then a thirdoperating parameter of the camera 42 can be increased or decreased. Forexample, if the gimbal 41 is rotated counterclockwise about the yawaxis, then the third operating parameter of the camera 42 can bedecreased or increased.

In some embodiments, the first operating parameter, the second operatingparameter and the third operating parameter can each be a focal lengthof the camera, an optical/digital zooming parameter, an apertureparameter, a shutter speed or a sensitivity. The first operatingparameter, the second operating parameter and the third operatingparameter can be different from one another. In other embodiments, thefirst operating parameter, the second operating parameter and the thirdoperating parameter can be other parameters of the camera.

The controller 52 can control the imaging device 400 (for example, thecamera 42 of the imaging device 400) to perform an extended functionbased upon a combination of the function extension button and one ormore other buttons if the one or more other buttons are detected to betriggered.

In some embodiments, the controller 52 can control the imaging device400 to perform an extended function based upon a preset correspondencebetween (1) a combination of the function extension button 51 and eachof at least one other button of the imaging device 400 and (2) extendedfunctions of the imaging device 400. The correspondence can be stored ina memory (not shown) of the imaging device 400 in advance.

In some embodiments, the at least one other button of the imaging device400 can comprise at least one of a shutter button, a record button or ajoystick. As shown in FIG. 3, the shutter button, the record button andthe joystick can be the shutter button 24, the record button 25 and thejoystick 26 provided to the gimbal 20. In other embodiments, the shutterbutton, the record button and the joystick can be provided to thecamera.

In some instances, if the triggered button is the shutter button, thenthe controller 52 can enable or disable a first specific function of theimaging device 400 based upon a combination of the function extensionbutton 51 and the triggered shutter button.

Optionally, if the triggered button is the record button, then thecontroller 52 can enable or disable a second specific function of theimaging device 400 based upon a combination of the function extensionbutton 51 and the triggered record button.

In some embodiments, the first specific function and the second specificfunction can each be a flashlight, a shutter, a filter or a facialrecognition of the camera. The first specific function and the secondspecific function can be different from each other. Alternatively, thefirst specific function and the second specific function can each beanother function of the camera.

Optionally, if the triggered button is the joystick, then the controller52 can adjust an operating parameter of the imaging device 400 basedupon a combination of the function extension button 51 and the triggeredjoystick.

In some embodiments, the joystick can comprise an up button, a downbutton, a left button and a right button. In some instances, if thetriggered button is the up button of the joystick, then the controller52 can increase or decrease a fourth operating parameter of the imagingdevice 400 based upon a combination of the function extension button 51and the triggered up button of the joystick. Alternatively oradditionally, if the triggered button is the down button of thejoystick, the controller 52 can decrease or increase the fourthoperating parameter of the imaging device 400 based upon a combinationof the function extension button 51 and the triggered down button of thejoystick. In this way, an operating parameter of the imaging device 400can be adjusted using the up button and the down button of the joystickcollectively.

Optionally, if the triggered button is the left button of the joystick,then the controller 52 can increase or decrease a fifth operatingparameter of the imaging device 400 based upon a combination of thefunction extension button and the triggered left button of the joystick.Alternatively or additionally, if the triggered button is the rightbutton of the joystick, then the controller 52 can decrease or increasethe fifth operating parameter of the imaging device 400 based upon acombination of the function extension button 51 and the triggered rightbutton of the joystick. In this way, an operating parameter of theimaging device 400 can be adjusted using the left button and the rightbutton of the joystick collectively.

In some instances, the fourth operating parameter and the fifthoperating parameter can each be a focal length of the camera, anoptical/digital zooming parameter, an aperture parameter, a shutterspeed or a sensitivity. The fourth operating parameter and the fifthoperating parameter can be different from each other. Alternatively, thefourth operating parameter and the fifth operating parameter can each beanother parameter of the camera.

It will be appreciated that, the number of the button combination can beincreased, and the extended functions of the imaging device 400 can beaccordingly set according to actual requirements. For example, theshutter button and the record button, or a combination of one or moreother buttons, can be simultaneously pressed when the function extensionbutton 51 is triggered, such that more functions of the imaging device400 can be enabled or disabled, or more operating parameters of theimaging device 400 can be adjusted.

In some embodiments, if the function extension button is triggered andmeanwhile one or more other buttons are detected to be triggered or thepreset attitude information of the imaging device 400 is obtained by theattitude acquisition device 53, the controller 52 can control theimaging device 400 (for example, the camera 42) to perform an extendedfunction based upon a combination of the function extension button 51and the obtained attitude information or a combination of the functionextension button 51 and the one or more one or more other buttons. Inother words, in order to control the imaging device 400 to perform anextended function, the function extension button can be triggered andmeanwhile an attitude of the imaging device 400 can be altered.Alternatively, in order to control the imaging device to perform anextended function, the function extension button can be triggered andmeanwhile one or more other buttons can be triggered.

Alternatively, the controller 52 can switch a control mode of theimaging device 400 (for example, the camera 42) to a function extensionmode after the function extension button 51 is triggered. When theimaging device 400 is in the function extension mode, if the presetattitude information of the imaging device 400 is obtained or one ormore other buttons are detected to be triggered, then the controller 52can control the imaging device 400 (for example, the camera 42) toperform an extended function based upon a combination of the functionextension button 51 and the obtained attitude information or acombination of the function extension button 51 and the one or moreother buttons. In other words, in order to control the imaging device400 to perform an extended function, the function extension button 51can be triggered and meanwhile an attitude of the imaging device 400 canbe altered. Alternatively, in order to control the imaging device toperform an extended function, the function extension button 51 can betriggered and meanwhile one or more other buttons can be triggered.

In some embodiments, the function extension button 51 and one or moreother buttons can be provided at the gimbal 41, such as on a handle ofthe handheld gimbal. In this way, a user can grip the handle of thegimbal and conveniently invoke extended functions of the camera 62 byoperating the function extension button and the one or more otherbuttons or altering an attitude of the gimbal. In some instances, atleast one of the controller 52 and the attitude acquisition device 53can be provided at the gimbal 41.

Alternatively, one or more of the function extension button 51, theother button, the controller 52 and the attitude acquisition device 53can be provided at the camera 42.

Additional control modes on additional functions of the imaging device400 can be provided using the control apparatus 50 in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure, in which a Fn button function mode isenabled by the function extension button 51, and the function extensionbutton is combined with original physical buttons of the imaging device400 or with the attitude information of the imaging device 400 (e.g.,motion data of the imaging device 400). Additional functions of theimaging device 400 can be provided, and an utilization of the originalbuttons of the imaging device 400 can be improved. An operation of theimaging device 400 can be simplified, thereby improving an userexperience. Furthermore, an upgrade and a functional extension of theimaging device 400 can be facilitated.

The embodiments as discussed hereinabove are intended to merelyillustrate rather than limit the disclosure. While preferred embodimentsof the disclosure have been shown and described herein, numerousvariations and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling an imaging device havinga function extension button, comprising: obtaining, in response to thefunction extension button being triggered, attitude information of theimaging device or detecting triggering of one or more other buttons ofthe imaging device; and controlling the imaging device to perform anextended function based upon: a combination of the function extensionbutton and the obtained attitude information in response to the obtainedattitude information being preset attitude information; or a combinationof the function extension button and the one or more other buttons inresponse to the one or more other buttons being detected to betriggered.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein controlling the imagingdevice to perform the extended function includes controlling the imagingdevice to perform an extended function based upon: a presetcorrespondence between: a combination of the function extension buttonand one of at least one type of preset attitude information, and anextended function of the imaging device, or a preset correspondencebetween: a combination of the function extension button and one of theone or more other buttons of the imaging device, and an extendedfunction of the imaging device.
 3. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising: adjusting an operating parameter of the imaging device basedupon the combination of the function extension button and the obtainedattitude information.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein: the imagingdevice includes a gimbal and a camera carried by the gimbal; the atleast one type of preset attitude information of the imaging deviceincludes at least one of a rotation angle of the gimbal about a pitchaxis, a rotation angle of the gimbal about a roll axis, or a rotationangle of the gimbal about a yaw axis; adjusting the operating parameterof the imaging device based upon the combination of the functionextension button and the obtained attitude information includes at leastone of: adjusting a first operating parameter of the imaging devicebased upon a combination of the function extension button and theobtained rotation angle of the gimbal about the pitch axis in responseto the obtained attitude information including the rotation angle of thegimbal about the pitch axis; adjusting a second operating parameter ofthe imaging device based upon a combination of the function extensionbutton and the obtained rotation angle of the gimbal about the roll axisin response to the obtained attitude information including the rotationangle of the gimbal about the roll axis; or adjusting a third operatingparameter of the imaging device based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the obtained rotation angle of the gimbal about theyaw axis in response to the obtained attitude information including therotation angle of the gimbal about the yaw axis; and each of the firstoperating parameter, the second operating parameter, and the thirdoperating parameter includes a focal length of the camera, anoptical/digital zooming parameter, an aperture parameter, a shutterspeed, or a sensitivity, and the first operating parameter, the secondoperating parameter, and the third operating parameter are differentfrom one another.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein: the one or moreother buttons of the imaging device include at least one of a shutterbutton, a record button, or a joystick; controlling the imaging deviceto perform the extended function includes at least one of: enabling ordisabling a first function of the imaging device based upon acombination of the function extension button and the shutter button inresponse to the shutter button being triggered; enabling or disabling asecond function of the imaging device based upon a combination of thefunction extension button and the record button in response to therecord button being triggered; or adjusting an operating parameter ofthe imaging device based upon a combination of the function extensionbutton and the joystick in response to the joystick being triggered; andeach of the first function and the second function includes aflashlight, a shutter, a filter, or a facial recognition of the camera,and the first function and the second function are different from eachother.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein: the joystick includes an upbutton, a down button, a left button, and a right button; adjusting theoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon the combination ofthe function extension button and the joystick includes at least one of:increasing or decreasing a fourth operating parameter of the imagingdevice based upon a combination of the function extension button and theup button of the joystick in response to the up button of the joystickbeing triggered; decreasing or increasing the fourth operating parameterof the imaging device based upon a combination of the function extensionbutton and the down button of the joystick in response to the downbutton of the joystick being triggered; increasing or decreasing a fifthoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon a combination ofthe function extension button and the left button of the joystick inresponse to the left button of the joystick being triggered; decreasingor increasing the fifth operating parameter of the imaging device basedupon a combination of the function extension button and the right buttonof the joystick in response to the right button of the joystick beingtriggered; each of the fourth operating parameter and the fifthoperating parameter includes a focal length of the camera, anoptical/digital zooming parameter, an aperture parameter, a shutterspeed, or a sensitivity, and the fourth operating parameter and thefifth operating parameter are different from each other.
 7. The methodof claim 1, wherein controlling the imaging device to perform theextended function includes: controlling the imaging device to performthe extended function based upon the combination of the functionextension button and the obtained attitude information or thecombination of the function extension button and the one or more otherbuttons in response to the function extension button being triggered andmeanwhile the preset attitude information of the imaging device beingobtained or the one or more other buttons being detected to betriggered.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: switching acontrol mode of the imaging device to a function extension mode afterthe function extension button is triggered; wherein the extendedfunction is performed after the imaging device is switched to thefunction extension mode.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the functionextension button includes a button having a single button function or amulti-function button having multiple button functions; the methodfurther comprising: setting a specific trigger mode for triggering afunction extension button function of the multi-function button; andsetting a preset trigger mode for triggering a regular button functionof the multi-function button.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein:controlling the imaging device to perform the extended function includescontrolling a camera of the imaging device to perform the extendedfunction; and/or obtaining the attitude information of the imagingdevice includes obtaining attitude information of a gimbal of theimaging device.
 11. An apparatus for controlling an imaging device,comprising: a function extension button coupled to the imaging device;an attitude acquisition device configured to detect attitude informationof the imaging device; and a controller configured to, in response tothe function extension button being triggered: detect triggering of oneor more other buttons of the imaging device or obtain the attitudeinformation of the imaging device detected by the attitude acquisitiondevice; and control the imaging device to perform an extended functionbased upon: a combination of the function extension button and theobtained attitude information in response to the obtained attitudeinformation being preset attitude information; or a combination of thefunction extension button and the one or more other buttons in responseto the one or more other buttons being detected to be triggered.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured tocontrol the imaging device to perform the extended function based upon:a preset correspondence between: a combination of the function extensionbutton and one of at least one type of preset attitude information, andan extended function of the imaging device, or a preset correspondencebetween: a combination of the function extension button and one of theone or more other buttons of the imaging device, and an extendedfunction of the imaging device.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, whereinthe controller is configured to adjust an operating parameter of theimaging device based upon the combination of the function extensionbutton and the obtained attitude information.
 14. The apparatus of claim13, wherein: the imaging device includes a gimbal and a camera carriedby the gimbal; the at least one type of preset attitude information ofthe imaging device comprises at least one of a rotation angle of thegimbal about a pitch axis, a rotation angle of the gimbal about a rollaxis, or a rotation angle of the gimbal about a yaw axis; wherein thecontroller is further configured to adjust at least one of: a firstoperating parameter of the imaging device based upon a combination ofthe function extension button and the obtained rotation angle of thegimbal about the pitch axis in response to the obtained attitudeinformation including the rotation angle of the gimbal about the pitchaxis; a second operating parameter of the imaging device based upon acombination of the function extension button and the obtained rotationangle of the gimbal about the roll axis in response to the obtainedattitude information being the rotation angle of the gimbal about theroll axis; or a third operating parameter of the imaging device basedupon a combination of the function extension button and the obtainedrotation angle of the gimbal about the yaw axis in response to theobtained attitude information being the rotation angle of the gimbalabout the yaw axis; and each of the first operating parameter, thesecond operating parameter and the third operating parameter includes afocal length of the camera, an optical/digital zooming parameter, anaperture parameter, a shutter speed or a sensitivity, and the firstoperating parameter, the second operating parameter and the thirdoperating parameter are different from one another.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the one or more other buttons of the imaging deviceinclude at least one of a shutter button, a record button, or ajoystick; the controller is further configured to perform at least oneof: enabling or disabling a first function of the imaging device basedupon a combination of the function extension button and the shutterbutton in response to the shutter button being triggered; enabling ordisabling a second function of the imaging device based upon acombination of the function extension button and the record button inresponse to the record button being triggered; or adjusting an operatingparameter of the imaging device based upon a combination of the functionextension button and the joystick in response to the joystick beingtriggered; and each of the first function and the second functionincludes a flashlight, a shutter, a filter, or a facial recognition ofthe camera, and the first function and the second function are differentfrom each other.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the controlleris further configured to control the imaging device to perform theextended function based upon the combination of the function extensionbutton and the obtained attitude information or the combination of thefunction extension button and the one or more other buttons in responseto the function extension button being triggered and meanwhile thepreset attitude information of the imaging device being obtained or theone or more other buttons being detected to be triggered.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to:switch a control mode of the imaging device to a function extension modeafter the function extension button is triggered; and control theimaging device to perform the extended function after the imaging deviceis switched to the function extension mode.
 18. The apparatus of claim11, wherein: the imaging device includes a gimbal and a camera carriedby the gimbal; and one or more of the function extension button, theattitude acquisition device and the controller is provided at the gimbalor the camera.
 19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the attitudeacquisition device includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) includinga gyroscope and an accelerometer.
 20. An imaging device comprising: agimbal; a camera carried by the gimbal; and a control apparatusincluding: a function extension button; an attitude acquisition deviceconfigured to detect attitude information of the imaging device; and acontroller configured to, in response to the function extension buttonbeing triggered: detect triggering of one or more other buttons of theimaging device or obtain the attitude information of the imaging devicedetected by the attitude acquisition device; and control the imagingdevice to perform an extended function based upon: a combination of thefunction extension button and the obtained attitude information inresponse to the obtained attitude information being preset attitudeinformation; or a combination of the function extension button and theone or more other buttons in response to the one or more other buttonsbeing detected to be triggered.